Pendle completed a hat-trick of East Lancs derby victories after a narrow win over Chorley.

It follows hot on the heels of November triumphs over Colne and Nelson and Clitheroe as they moved in to the top three in North Lancs Two for the first time this season.

After a 21-9 win against Colne and last weekend’s 10-7 victory at Clitheroe, Phoenix were looking to make it three on the spin at Hodge House.

But Chorley, looking for their fourth win of the season, certainly didn’t come down the M65 to make up the numbers and it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a converted try within two minutes.

Pendle recovered and regrouped and spent much of the remainder of the half in Chorley territory.

And they finally drew level when Rob Lawless was stopped short of the line but Sonny Waddington was was in close support to collected the ball and raced clear to score.

James Redford added the extras and the scores were level. Pendle continued to control the game and took the lead when they worked an over lap and Andy Dutton squeezed over in the corner.

The kick was missed and in virtually the last play of the half Phoenix surrendered their lead when Chorley crossed for the second converted try to lead 14-12 at the break.

With the weather getting worse by the minute, Pendle knew they had to take every opportunity that came their way.

And they did just that when Redford kicked a penalty to lead 15-14 and victory was assured when Andy Dutton showed great composure with a drop goal.